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  Graphic Design (MA)


Kingston University    Kingston School of Art

Full time & Part time September MA 1 year full time, 2 years full time with a professional placement, 2 years part time
Communication & Media Studies (7) Creative Arts & Design (9)

FindAMasters summary

The Graphic Design (MA) programme at Kingston University offers an exciting opportunity to explore the role of graphic design in today's society. Taught by experienced design practitioners and researchers, the course delves into current issues and contemporary visual culture, allowing you to critically investigate topics such as politics, identity, and technology. With a focus on design practice and theory, you will develop your skills through specialized platforms like Visual Identity and Branding, Interactive Design, and more. The programme also emphasizes research, collaboration, and real-world experience, with opportunities to work on live projects, visit professional design studios, and hear from industry experts. To apply, a 2:1 honours degree in graphic design or a related subject is required, along with a portfolio of work. However, candidates with non-standard qualifications and relevant experience are also encouraged to apply.

About the course

The MA Graphic Design programme at Kingston School of Art takes a practice-based, research-orientated approach to anticipating the future potential and practice of graphic design. The course will explore and challenge assumptions about the designer, as a researcher, facilitator, producer, artist, storyteller, teacher, author, entrepreneur, provocateur, leader, and agent of change.

We are ambitious for our students and invested in pushing the boundaries of the discipline through socially and ecologically responsible thinking and making in a discursive studio-based community of practice. Risk, play, and experimentation are valued within, and alongside, a rigorous academic framework.

Read more about this course

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have a 2:1 or above honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in graphic design or a related subject, such as moving image, graphic communication, illustration, 3D design, advertising, photography, packaging, computer-related design, architecture or fine art.

We also welcome applicants with relevant experience that demonstrates the necessary skills and intellectual achievement needed to undertake the course.

See the programme website for portfolio guidance




 Course Content

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Where will I study?

Where is Kingston University

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Student Profiles

Kjerstin

"The first thing you should know about this course is that you will not be handed your MA on a silver platter, and that's the best part. You learn to widen your skill set and get different perspectives from a very lovely, international community. You will get to know some amazing and inspiring tutors who will always help you find the right questions to ask, and you will also learn from a variety of guest lecturers.

If I could do it again I would, because I have never felt as challenged yet so free as I felt during my time at Kingston."

Rubbie

"I had a really great experience on the Communication Design: Graphic Design MA at Kingston. We undertook group as well as personal projects. For the group project we worked with students from different design disciplines. This was not easy for me as English is not my native language, but these projects inspired me a lot during discussions, and I was positively influenced by the different perspectives from the diverse fields of design, and the cultural backgrounds of my fellow group members.

In the individual projects, we had two tutors who focused on different aspects of graphic design. They helped us to make our personal projects ambitious and perfect. During the course I learned a lot of new skills and developed my knowledge of graphic design. I am really grateful to be graduate of Kingston University."

Natasha

"Choosing Kingston University has been the best choice for my development as a designer. Through its interdisciplinary format this course stands out for any individual seeking to indulge in a thorough and informed design practice. The various studio facilities available made it possible to experiment and try out innovative concepts.

The curriculum is set out perfectly and provides various opportunities to prepare yourself for the professional world. The course has been challenging and very intense at times but there is no lack of support from the faculty and other technical staff.

The tutors are very competent, encouraging and supportive to each and every student and go that extra mile to further boost our contemplations without any compromise. The overall programme was very rewarding and enriching and a worthwhile experience."

Anna

"Studying Communication Design: Graphic Design MA at Kingston was,without any doubt, the best decision of my life so far. Not only as a graphic designer but as a person as well.

I met creative people who I still keep in touch with and are now great friends of mine; tutors whose encouragement and knowledge I cannot be grateful enough for; and the chance to studying in a cool, relaxed and inspiring space where I could research and do anything that I (literally) wished for.

If you get up with the wild idea of making an alphabet out of 2m long wooden letters, or to research and screen print rainbows for a month – and you can also explain why you want to do it – you will not just have a proper technical and theoretical background to support you, but also people who will encourage you to start doing it and will go with you on that road.

I came from a very practical BA so I really enjoyed looking at graphic design from a completely different point of view where the research process is just as important as the final outcome. I discovered the importance of meaning behind designing, and the interdisciplinary group projects have taught me many new things as well. The course gave me confidence and has opened doors to the creative industries."

Scholarships

Through the generous support of Kingston University alumni and friends to our Inspire the Future campaign, we are able to offer 20 postgraduate scholarships to progressing Kingston University undergraduate students and recent graduates (class of 2020-2022 only). The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage academic excellence and allow talented graduates to continue to higher levels of learning and research. The scholarship offers a 40%* reduction in fees for taught masters or postgraduate diploma courses with September start dates.

Your application will be judged on:
your academic success to date and your future potential, as evidenced by undergraduate module results, awards and references from those who have taught you at Kingston University
your demonstration (in your personal statement in the application form) of the impact studying this course will have on your future and the wider world

* Please note that the Inspire the Future scholarship cannot be combined with other Kingston University scholarships or discounts. Therefore, for those who are eligible for a 15% or 10% fee discount, the total discount they would receive for each year of their course, if awarded an Inspire the Future postgraduate scholarship, would be 40%.

Value of Scholarship(s)

40% reduction in tuition fees.

Eligibility

To be considered, you must:
- have already received an offer of a place to study at Kingston on an eligible course
- be classed as 'home' for fees purposes
- have a first-class honours in a previous degree with additional evidence of academic excellence
- must also meet one of the additional criteria listed on our website

Application Procedure

Please visit: https://www.kingston.ac.uk/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/funding-your-course/scholarships/inspire-the-future-scholarship/


Find out more

Please see our website for full details of all current scholarships available.

Value of Scholarship(s)

Up to 3,500

Eligibility

Please see our website for full details of all current scholarships available.

Application Procedure

Please see our website for full details of all current scholarships available.


Find out more

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